International Women’s Day at Searcys

Imagine a world where gender equality isn’t just a goal but a reality. A world free from bias, where opportunities are truly equal, and where women’s achievements are celebrated without barriers. A world where every organisation takes action to drive meaningful change.

At Searcys, we believe in more than just conversation—we believe in action. To celebrate International Women’s Day, a few of our brilliant #TeamSearcys colleagues have shared their journeys in juggling their career goals while accelerating progress towards an equitable workplace. We will be talking about the challenges of balancing work and family life, supporting gender equality as a male ally, breaking barriers for women in leadership, creating pathways for future female leaders and building a culture of inclusion and opportunity.

Championing Working Mums

For Monika and Priya, being working mums comes with its challenges—but with support, flexibility, and understanding from their colleagues and managers, they’ve been able to progress in their careers without having to compromise on family life.

Monika’s Story: As a mum of three, including a child with special needs, Monika knows the struggle of balancing work and home life. Thanks to the understanding and flexibility of her managers, she can perform at her best without feeling overwhelmed, showing that no one should have to choose between their career and their family.

Priya’s Journey: Returning to work after maternity leave can be daunting, but flexible working arrangements have helped Priya manage childcare while staying committed to her career. Being part of a company that truly understands the realities of working mums has made all the difference.

Accelerating Action for an Inclusive Future

Fostering a truly inclusive workplace means taking action—championing emerging talent, advocating for diversity, and ensuring equal opportunities for all. From leadership development to allyship, our colleagues are committed to making a difference. Here’s how Clarissa, Jonet, Yana, and Rossella are driving progress and helping to #AccelerateAction for gender equality.

For Clarissa, Searcys has played a pivotal role in her career growth, providing the guidance, support, and opportunities needed to step into the role of General Manager at the Champagne Bar at Battersea Power Station. Through a collaborative and empowering culture, she has gained the confidence and skills to take on leadership responsibilities. As she continues her leadership journey, she remains committed to driving gender equality by fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

For Jonet, being an ally goes beyond supporting gender equality in principle—it requires taking real action. At Searcys, he actively champions inclusivity, advocating for diverse hiring, equal career opportunities, and addressing bias. He is dedicated to mentoring female colleagues, offering guidance and support to help them step into leadership roles with confidence. Additionally, he works to amplify women’s voices in meetings, ensuring their contributions are recognised and valued. Beyond Searcys, he engages with the wider hospitality community, promoting gender-balanced leadership and encouraging open conversations about equality. His goal is to help create a culture where fairness, respect, and opportunity are not just ideals, but everyday realities.

For Rossella, a young marketing professional at Searcys, Accelerate Action means being given the space to grow, take on new challenges, and develop skills in an environment that champions inclusivity and creativity. Having strong female leaders to look up to has been invaluable, demonstrating that gender equality is not just about representation but about ensuring equal opportunities for all. She is committed to advocating for diverse voices in marketing, supporting young professionals in their career journeys, and shaping a workplace where innovation and inclusivity go hand in hand.

Empowering Women Through Safety and Inclusion

For Helen, championing women’s safety and empowerment isn’t just a responsibility—it’s a passion that drives real change.

“The health, safety, and welfare of our teams is my driving force. I truly believe that when we invest in the safety and well-being of women, we empower them to reach their full potential. This not only benefits individuals but also strengthens families, communities, and workplaces.”

Helen recognises that for many women, safety is not a given—both in the workplace and beyond. With one in three women worldwide experiencing physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, she sees International Women’s Day as a powerful reminder that we must create safer spaces, challenge gender bias, and build a culture of respect and accountability.

She is also passionate about supporting women in health and safety leadership roles, ensuring that policies reflect diverse perspectives and that more women step into positions of influence. By advocating for equal access to training, resources, and leadership opportunities, she believes that workplaces can become not only safer but truly inclusive.

Helen is committed to breaking down barriers—from ensuring protective equipment fits properly for women to addressing maternity rights, menopause awareness, and mental health support in workplace policies. She believes that empowering women to speak up, lead, and advocate for better conditions benefits everyone, making workplaces safer and stronger.

“Empowering women isn’t just about improving their experiences—it’s about enhancing the safety, well-being, and success of everyone around them. When women thrive, we all benefit.”

At Searcys, we are proud to stand with Monika, Priya, Clarissa, Jonet, Rossella, Yana, Helen and all colleagues in accelerating action for gender equality, workplace safety, and inclusion.